In 1969, Chattanooga was the most polluted city in the USA; by 1990 it was recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as the nation's best turn around story. Numerous collaborative efforts have generated the capital resources, the political commitment and the civic momentum to tackle complex problems such as affordable housing, public education, transportation alternatives, urban design, conservation of natural areas, parks and greenways, air and water pollution, recycling and job training, downtown river front development and neighborhood vitality.

Chattanooga's vision is to become a city where ecological initiatives generate a strong economic base, nurture social institutions and enhance the natural and made environment.

Civic culture is key to Chattanooga's successes and future. Building on this civic culture, the City has turned its attention to its Southside inner city neighborhood, once ridden with crime, drugs and violence. Progress to date includes: bulldozing a dilapidated shopping center to make way for a retail residential complex housing a business incubator for resident owned and operated businesses, an expanded early childhood intervention program, a mini-precinct police station and social and recreational programs for adults and children. Other activities include: the building of a new sports facility linked to job creation and job training for surrounding neighborhoods; renovation of the Grand Hotel into 36 one-bedroom apartments for low-income residents with retail space on the first floor; and the addition of tree and street lighting to attract private investment. Chattanooga continues to demonstrate that sustainable development is a process, not a result.